A Cullowhee Christmas: The holidays are in full swing at WCU
'The Nutcracker' returns to the stage at WCU Dec. 6-7. File photo
As fall is slowly transitioning to winter, so, too, comes the holiday cheer. And although Thanksgiving Day, the official kickoff of the Christmas season, is still a week away, there are a handful of events already in motion to get the ball rolling.
The 15th annual “Handmade Holiday Sale” will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University.
This event is presented by the WCU Fine Art Museum and is located throughout the Bardo Arts Center lobby and Star Atrium. It features high-quality, handmade gifts created by students, staff and alumni. Items for sale include artwork, candles, ceramics, wearable accessories, woodwork and other handmade crafts.
'Handmade Holiday Sale' will be at WCU Nov. 21. File photo
The following vendors will be participating: AJM Wood Burning, Art Educations, Book Arts & Printmaking, Brooklyn Brown Creative Services, Diana Limbo, ECB Designs, Flori Studio, Flower Moon Designs, Grow by Earth Pottery, Jillian’s Canvas, localartbyjane, Mother Made Keepsakes, Mudcats Club, Pleasantly Twisted Pottery, Purses by Mal, Rez Dog Art Studio, She’s Crafty AVL, Smoky Mountain Creations, Starre Fired Pottery, USITT, WCU Wildlife & Forestry Club and Wild Pony Studio.
In addition, the WCU Fine Art Museum will host the reception for its newest exhibition, “At the Table,” from 5-7 pm Thursday, Nov. 21.
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This reception was postponed due to Hurricane Helene. The exhibition explores ideas of community, power and representation through depictions or the use of a “table.” The reception will have free snacks, refreshments and comments from the WCU Fine Art Museum’s curator and team.
To learn more about the exhibition and reception, visit arts.wcu.edu/handmadeholiday.
The 37th annual “Hard Candy Christmas” arts/crafts show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29-30 inside the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University.
This mountain tradition started in 1987 in Franklin with eight local artists. It has grown to over 100 original artisans who sell their work at great prices. Expect an impressive display of fine hand-crafted creations such as Father Christmas dolls, fresh mountain greenery and folk dolls. And ornament collectors will always find new additions for the tree.
Admission to the “Hard Candy Christmas” is $5 for a two-day pass. Children under 12 are free. Parking is also free. For more information, click on mountainartisans.net.
Featuring professional classical dances and the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s celebrated pre-professional company, a magically festive, full-length stage version of “The Nutcracker” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall at Western Carolina University.
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville (BCA) trains dancers to achieve their full potential by combining weekly technique classes, frequent master classes and multiple performance opportunities.
Having crept downstairs at midnight on Christmas Eve to play with her new Nutcracker doll, a young girl is swept up in fantasies of toy soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery. After saving her beloved Nutcracker from the King of Rats, she is whisked away to an enchanted land and dances the night away, meeting a host of enchanting and exotic characters.
Tickets are $5 for WCU Students, $20 for WCU Faculty/Staff, $25 for adults, $15 for Students/Children (Non-WCU) and $20 for Senior Citizens.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets to “The Nutcracker,” click on arts.wcu.edu/tickets. The BAC Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and one-hour before performances.
To see BAC’s full calendar of events throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, please visit arts.wcu.edu/explore or call 828.227.ARTS.
